Hand Emoji Meanings: Every Gesture, Body and People Emoji Explained

Hello or goodbye. A friendly wave to greet someone or sign off.

A hand raised to stop, ask for attention or high-five.

An open hand. Used for "stop", "five" or a high-five.

"Stop", "wait" or raising your hand to answer. Also a high-five.

The Star Trek greeting meaning "live long and prosper".

A hand reaching to the right, often paired with 🫲 for a handshake or offering.

A hand reaching to the left. Used for giving, receiving or reaching out.

Dropping something, "calm down" or a dismissive wave.

Offering, asking for something or "come on, tell me".

Pushing something away, "stop" or "no thanks".

Pushing away or stopping. Paired with 🫷 for "stay back".

"OK", "perfect" or approval. Its meaning differs in some countries, so use with care.

The Italian hand gesture for "What do you want?" or "chef's kiss" perfection.

"A tiny bit" or something very small.

Peace or victory. Also a popular selfie pose.

Hoping for good luck. "Fingers crossed!"

Finger heart (K-pop style love) or a money/snap gesture.

Sign language for "I love you".

Rock on! Used for rock music, concerts and excitement.

"Call me" or the surfer "hang loose" shaka sign.

Pointing left, at a message or "this one".

Pointing right, "check this out" or "you".

Pointing up, meaning "see above" or "this".

A rude gesture showing anger or disrespect. Avoid in polite chats.

"Look below", "link in comments" or "this".

"Wait a moment", "number one" or making a point.

"You!" Pointing directly at the person reading.

Approval, "OK", "good job" or "got it". Can feel cold in some chats.

Disapproval, dislike or "no".

Strength, solidarity and support for a cause.

A fist bump, respect or a punch.

A fist bump from the left. Used with 🤜 for "bro" moments.

A fist bump from the right. Teamwork and respect.

Applause, congratulations or sarcastic slow clapping.

Celebration, praise or "yay!". Also used for "praise".

Love, support and gratitude. Popular with fans and friends.

A hug, openness or jazz hands.

Praying (dua), asking or offering.

Agreement, deal, partnership or respect.

Please, thank you or praying. Sometimes mistaken for a high-five.

Writing, taking notes or signing.

Sassy, unbothered confidence. Also self-care and manicures.

Taking a selfie.

Strength, gym, effort or "you can do it".

Robotic strength, prosthetics or being extra strong.

Prosthetic legs, technology or cyborg vibes.

Legs, kicking or leg day.

Feet, walking or kicking.

Listening or "I'm all ears".

Hearing aids and hearing accessibility.

Smelling something, or being nosy.

Smart, thinking or "big brain" ideas.

A real heart. Used for health, medicine or love in an edgy way.

Breathing, health or taking a deep breath.

Teeth, the dentist or a toothache.

Bones, dogs or the skeleton.

Looking, curiosity or "I see what you did there". Also used for drama or something interesting.

Watching, seeing or paying attention.

Tasting, licking or a cheeky tease.

Lips, talking or kissing.

Nervous, anxious or flirty.

Babies, new arrivals or acting like a baby.

A young child or kids.

A boy or a son.

A girl or a daughter.

An adult of any gender.

A person with blond hair.

A man, husband or father.

A person with a beard.

A woman, wife or mother.

An elderly person or grandparent.

A grandpa or elderly man.

A grandma or elderly woman.

Sad, upset or disappointed.

Annoyed, sulking or grumpy.

"No", "stop" or "not allowed".

"OK" or "yes", with arms making a circle.

Sassy, "just saying" or offering information.

"Me!", volunteering or asking a question.

Deaf people, sign language or "I can't hear you".

Deep respect, apology or gratitude.

Disbelief or frustration at something silly.

"I don't know" or "whatever". Also used for not caring.

A man saying "I don't know" or "whatever".

A woman saying "I don't know" or "whatever".

A man reacting to something silly.

A woman reacting to something silly.

A man saying "me!" or asking a question.

A woman saying "me!" or asking a question.

A woman saying "OK" with her arms.

A man saying "no" with crossed arms.

A sassy woman sharing information.

Coding, working on a computer or tech jobs.

A man coding or working on a computer.

A woman coding or working on a computer.

Students, graduation and studying.

A male student or graduate.

A female student or graduate.

Teachers, teaching and school.

Doctors, nurses and healthcare.

A male doctor or nurse.

A female doctor or nurse.

Cooking, chefs and kitchens.

Singers and rock stars.

Artists, painting and creativity.

Astronauts and space.

Firefighters and emergencies.

Pilots and flying.

Mechanics and fixing things.

Farmers and farming.

Office jobs and business.

Scientists and experiments.

Judges, law and justice.

Police or law enforcement.

Investigating, spying or snooping.

A royal guard, like in London.

Construction, building or "work in progress".

Stealth, sneaking or being skilled.

Royalty or feeling like a king or queen.

A prince or a royal.

A princess or someone treated like royalty.

A person wearing a turban.

A person wearing a Chinese cap (gua pi mao).

A woman wearing a hijab or headscarf.

A groom, formal event or looking sharp.

A bride or a wedding.

Pregnancy and expecting a baby.

A pregnant man or a full stomach after a big meal.

A pregnant person of any gender.

Breastfeeding and motherhood.

Feeding a baby and parenting.

Innocence, angels or cuteness.

Christmas, Santa and holiday gifts.

Mrs. Claus and Christmas.

A gender-neutral Santa Claus.

Superheroes, saving the day or being a hero.

Villains or evil plans.

Wizards, witches and magic.

Fairies and magical vibes.

Vampires and Halloween.

Mermaids and mermen.

Elves and fantasy.

Genies and wishes.

Zombies, Halloween or feeling dead tired.

A troll, online trolling or fairy tales.

Relaxing, spa days or self-care.

Haircuts and salon visits.

Walking or going for a stroll.

A woman walking.

Standing or waiting.

Kneeling, praying or proposing.

Blind or low-vision people.

Wheelchair users and accessibility.

Running, jogging or being in a hurry.

A man running or in a hurry.

A woman running or in a hurry.

Dancing, partying or celebrating.

Dancing, disco or a fun night out.

Floating, magic or a smooth exit.

Dancing, partying or matching best friends.

Sauna, spa or steam room.

Rock climbing or climbing higher.

Fencing or sword fighting.

Horse racing, jockeys or racing fast.

Skiing and winter sports.

Snowboarding and winter fun.

Golf and golfing.

Surfing and beach life.

Rowing or boating.

Swimming and pools.

Basketball and sports.

Gym, weightlifting and fitness.

A man working out at the gym.

Cycling and biking.

Mountain biking and outdoor adventures.

Gymnastics, joy or excitement.

Wrestling.

Water polo.

Handball.

Juggling or multitasking.

Yoga, meditation and calm.

A woman doing yoga or meditating.

Bath time and relaxing.

Sleeping, resting or bedtime.

Friendship, togetherness and unity.

Two women holding hands, as friends or a couple.

A couple or friends together.

Two men holding hands, as friends or a couple.

A couple kissing.

A couple in love.

A woman and a man in love.

A family.

A family with a son.

A hug, comfort and support.

Shouting, speaking up or "say it louder".

A person, profile or user.

People, a group or friends.

Footsteps, walking or following a path.